Quote Originally Posted by LeicaLad View Post
What did the powder coat refinish cost, if I may ask? Did you do any prep work, or just deliver a naked frame? Was it a car paint shop? I've never refinished a bike, but have one that I love dearly that is pretty much in need.
It was a local powdercoating shop (they also do media blasting)... basically they specialize in baked on coatings for auto and motorcyle parts. I called around to several and this was the first that said "yes, we'll coat a bicycle frame!" and wasn't an hour+ away.

I did no prep work other than taking everything off the frame (including the headset cups, which I paid the bike shop to do)... they took care of cleaning it up, and just asked me which areas I needed masked off since they don't do a whole lot of bike frames (that was not a problem, and they got it all right).

What I paid (for cleaning, paint, and clear coat) was on the upper end of the range, I think, at $85... however, it looks incredible, and I'm glad I splurged on it - I figure, this is a bike that can literally be used by all 3 kids (my 9yo is my oldest) when they're the right size for it, so it would be worth it to do it right (and not rattle-can the frame myself) so it would last.

I literally picked up the frame from the powdercoaters yesterday morning, and took it straight to my bike shop to have them put the headset back on (and cut and re-thread the steer tube on the new fork), and they were so excited to see the frame back they had it ready for me in just a couple of hours